Are Patients Overloading A&E with Minor Issues Like Hiccups and Sore Throats?

Patients are being urged to avoid unnecessary visits to Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments for minor ailments, as NHS figures reveal that over 200,000 attendances in England last winter were for conditions that could have been treated elsewhere. With A&E under pressure, health officials recommend seeking alternatives like pharmacies, GPs, and NHS 111 for everyday health issues.

Last updated: 17 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The NHS in England is currently grappling with the challenge of managing A&E resources effectively, especially during the winter months when illnesses like flu peak. Recent statistics indicate that A&E departments are being congested with patients seeking help for minor health issues, leading to calls for better triage and guidance on where to seek appropriate care. Health officials are actively promoting alternative routes to care, urging patients to consider other options before heading to A&E.

Key takeaways

• Over 200,000 A&E visits last winter were for non-urgent conditions.
• Patients are advised to utilise pharmacies, GPs, and NHS 111 for minor ailments.
• Access to GP services remains a challenge, with many patients unable to secure same-day appointments.

Timeline: how we got here

The issue of non-urgent A&E visits has been a growing concern for the NHS, particularly highlighted during the winter months of November 2022 to February 2023. Key dates include:

• 1 November 2022: Start of the winter monitoring period.
• 28 February 2023: End of the winter monitoring period, revealing over 200,000 non-urgent A&E visits.
• 17 December 2023: Planned five-day walkout by BMA members, raising concerns over additional pressure on the NHS.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

NHS England has launched a video campaign titled '24 Hours Not In A&E' aimed at educating patients on alternative healthcare options available for minor ailments. This is part of a broader initiative to alleviate pressure on A&E services, particularly during the winter period.

What was already established

Previous reports indicated that access to GP services is a significant driver of unnecessary A&E visits, with many patients unable to secure timely appointments. The NHS had been encouraging patients to utilise online booking systems and seek care from pharmacies instead of defaulting to A&E.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The pressure on A&E services can lead to longer wait times for patients requiring urgent care. As more individuals seek help for minor issues, those with genuine emergencies may face delays, potentially jeopardising their health outcomes. Households are encouraged to be aware of alternative care options, which may reduce pressure on these vital services.

Businesses and jobs

For healthcare professionals, the influx of minor cases into A&E can strain resources, leading to burnout among staff. The ongoing challenges may affect recruitment and retention of healthcare workers, with potential implications for service delivery across the NHS.

Policy and regulation

The NHS is adapting its policies to enhance access to care through alternative routes, including increased use of pharmacies and online GP services. These changes are part of a broader strategy to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary A&E visits.

Numbers that matter

• 200,000+ A&E visits for non-urgent conditions during winter 2022–2023.
• 2% of all A&E attendances were for minor ailments.
• 20% of patients unable to access GP services on the same day.

Definitions and jargon buster

• A&E: Accident & Emergency, a hospital department for urgent medical treatment.
• GP: General Practitioner, a doctor who provides primary care services.
• BMA: British Medical Association, representing doctors in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Patients are encouraged to familiarise themselves with alternative healthcare options, like NHS 111 and local pharmacies, to better manage minor health issues. The NHS will continue to monitor A&E attendance patterns and adjust resources accordingly.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As winter progresses, the NHS will likely enhance campaigns promoting alternative routes for care. Continued monitoring of A&E statistics will inform future policies and patient outreach efforts.

Signals to watch

• Changes in A&E attendance statistics, particularly for minor ailments.
• Feedback from healthcare professionals regarding the impact of new policies on service delivery.
• Public response to NHS campaigns aimed at reducing unnecessary A&E visits.

Practical guidance

Do

• Consider visiting a pharmacy for common ailments.
• Utilise NHS 111 for advice on non-emergency health issues.
• Check if your GP practice offers online services for appointments and queries.

Don’t

• Don’t default to A&E for minor health concerns.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to seek care; explore options early.
• Don’t hesitate to use online resources to find health information.

Checklist

• Have you checked for pharmacy services for your condition?
• Is your GP practice accessible online for appointments?
• Have you contacted NHS 111 for non-urgent advice?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the NHS is making strides to improve access to care, challenges remain. The British Medical Association has raised concerns about the potential overload of online queries for GPs, which may inadvertently compromise patient care. Additionally, the ongoing threat of staff shortages and potential strikes could further strain resources in the coming months.

Bottom line

With increasing pressure on A&E services, it is vital for patients to explore alternative healthcare options for minor ailments. Understanding where to seek care can alleviate pressure on hospitals and ensure that A&E remains available for those who truly need urgent attention.

FAQs

What should I do if I have a minor health issue?

If you have a minor health issue, consider visiting a pharmacy or contacting NHS 111 for advice instead of going to A&E.

Are GPs available for same-day appointments?

Many patients have reported difficulty accessing same-day appointments with GPs, which has led to increased A&E visits for minor issues.

What is NHS 111?

NHS 111 is a service that provides urgent care advice over the phone or online, helping patients determine the best course of action for their health concerns.